How to Motivate People

Dennis McCallum

Motivation is different for Christians than it is for people in the world. Christians need to be convinced and motivated by Biblical truth. To be fruitful in motivating you must instruct, persuade, and convince people of the urgency of Biblical goals. You must also be prepared to speak truth and solve problems that would hinder someone from being motivated. Once someone has committed themselves to the goals of the Bible, it is imperative to continue to nurture ongoing motivation.

Elijah's Departure

Gary DeLashmutt

2 Kings 2:1-12

After God lifted Elijah out of a state of deep spiritual depression, He called on Elijah to anoint Elisha to succeed him as prophet. Elisha becomes Elijah's protege and helper. Many years pass, and Elijah knows that the time has come for him to depart from this world. Elisha travels with Elijah as he goes from place to place, and remains with him until God takes Elijah away. From this portion of the story, we learn about an aspect of his career that was not so dramatic, though exceedingly important: his investment in discipleship relationships. This teaching focuses on the importance developing deep friendships as a means of spiritual growth. In addition, we get a glimpse of Elisha's character as he enters into the position of filling Elijah's shoes, and discuss some of the possible reasons for the unusual and dramatic end to Elijah's career.

Aspects of Godly Influence

Jim Leffel

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica to teach them aspects of Godly influence. He calls on them to imitate his life as he has imitated Jesus' life. He explains five ways to be influential: 1) lead by example; 2) be persuasive; 3) pray for others; 4) communicate gratitude; and 5) give concrete encouragement.

Building Commitment Rather Than Compliance

John Rue

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

When there is a focus on getting results in growing a church, there is often a pressure to shift towards building compliance rather than commitment. In order to have healthy, long-term growth and transformation, however, leaders must continue to move away from compliance thinking. God does not operate this way, and the negative effects are serious. There are various indicators of compliance that can be identified and things leaders can do to help build commitment in their groups. One key aspect of this is ensuring that the leaders are growing themselves, modeling their own personal commitment.

Transforming Discipleship

Greg Ogden

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Just as Jesus prioritized discipleship because of the relational aspect, the vision of multiplication, and ability to model, so should we. There is a felt need for deep discipleship where mentors are not just teaching about what it means to follow Christ but also how to do it, walking side by side with another believer. This requires a shift from a program-centered approach to a relational approach, one in which there exists a focus on building personally committed disciples who can carry on the work themselves. Three key elements of this type of disciple include: transparent trust, the truth of God's Word learned in community, and life changing accountability.

The Power of Vision to Raise up Leaders

Dennis McCallum

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Not all people who have vision are leaders, but having vision is an important source of empowerment when trying to raise up leaders. Communicating both positive and negative vision is important and biblical; explaining the results if someone chooses or chooses not to align themselves with God. There are several ways we can cultivate vision, including sitting before the Lord in prayer and looking at other churches and outside examples. We must also communicate effectively, framing vision appropriately and juxtaposing the negative and positive vision side by side, without shying away from appropriate heat. Through prayerful consideration, thoughtful communication, and repetition, believers can infuse vision into fellow brothers and sisters. In order for the vision to stick, the visionary must exemplify credible character and trustworthiness.

Paul's Advice for Effective Leadership

Gary DeLashmutt

2 Timothy 2:1-26

In Paul's second letter to Timothy, he presents six mandates for Christian leaders, mandates that we too are called to follow today. First, we are called to draw strength from Christ's grace. We must develop leaders who will go on to develop leaders and embrace the hardships of leadership. We must focus on both keeping biblical instruction central and continuing to experience personal character growth. Finally, in order to be effective leaders, we must deal with sinful opponents in a godly way.

Invading Secular Space

Dwight Smith

2 Timothy 2:1-26

The goal of the church is emphatically to go out and reach people. This stands contrary to the American church which places larger emphasis on making the people inside happy. Believers in Christ, no matter which church they may belong to must take responsibility for those who do not know Christ: in their city, in their country, and in their world. This means that we must partner with other Christians and churches around us for the greater mission. Through personal Bible reading, interdependent leadership, and positive witnessing seen through our relationships, there is hope for evangelism. \r\n

Leading the Church in Stewardship/Generosity

Jeff Gordon

Titus 3:14

God calls us to be generous with our resources, and leaders must often help develop the burden for financial generosity in the people they lead. This is done in love through prayer, helping people develop their own convictions based on what the Bible says, and allowing the Holy Spirit to work. By looking at several past campaigns at Xenos, Jeff Gordon offers practical insight into what has made some successful and some unsuccessful.